Social enterprise charity JERICHO, a leading provider of supported employment opportunities in Birmingham, is celebrating its 30th birthday. For three decades the charity has run dedicated social projects that unlock the potential of people in Birmingham who are experiencing inequality in the job market. This includes giving them real work opportunities and individualised support through its social enterprises, allowing them to progress towards sustainable employment.
It operates several key divisions, spanning areas such as cleaning, construction, laundry, and cookery. In its most recent year, the charity helped 100 individuals secure work, generating a social value of £2m, benefitting the local economy.
Key initiatives run by the charity include ReUsers, a department store that rescues and recycles second hand items, and ChangeKitchen which provides free meals for thousands of people, using surplus food supplies. The charity’s Wood Shack programme collects waste wood to prevent it going to landfill and sells it in our Timber Yard in Sutton Coldfield.
As part of its continued expansion, the charity will be working with Simon Ward, a longstanding supporter of the charity, and founder and CEO of global marketing technology company, Inspired Thinking Group (ITG) which works with some of the world’s biggest brands including M&S, Audi, PUMA, Boots, KFC, and Heineken.
Ward will provide strategic counsel and guidance to further expand the charity’s capabilities and reach. He will also work with the senior management team to raise the charity’s profile with its supporters and drive engagement with disadvantaged groups in need of its services.
Simon Ward, CEO and Founder of Inspired Thinking Group said:
“Over the last three decades, JERICHO has played a crucial role in helping disadvantaged people acquire the skills and employment they need to thrive. The charity has long been close to my heart, making a huge contribution to the social fabric of Birmingham. I’m really thrilled to continue supporting the fantastic work the team do over the coming months and congratulate them on 30 years of public service.”
Richard Beard, CEO, JERICHO said:
“We are incredibly proud of everything our team has achieved over the last three decades. Simon is a longstanding supporter of the work we do, and we look forward to working together to accelerate our mission, enabling more people to secure the jobs they deserve.”
